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Updated: June 9, 2025
M. Verduret was buried in thought, and paid no attention to the worthy Joseph's analysis of his personal sensations. "What happened next?" said Verduret after a few minutes. "Why, he was just as frightened as I was, patron. The rascal did not even dare to touch me. To be sure, I had taken the precaution to get out of his reach; we talked with a large table between us.
M. Verduret opened the door pointed out, and pushed Prosper into the little parlor, whispering, as he did so: "Go in, and keep your presence of mind." But his injunction was useless. The instant he cast his eyes around the room into which he had so unceremoniously been pushed without any warning, Prosper exclaimed, in a startled voice: "Madeleine!"
Where can I hide so as to hear and see?" "There, in my bedroom; leave the door open and the curtain down." A second ring was heard. "Now remember, Prosper," said M. Verduret in a warning tone, "not one word to this man about your plans, or about me. Pretend to be discouraged, helpless, and undecided what to do." And he disappeared behind the curtain, as Prosper ran to open the door.
Fauvel will confess all; and then good-by to our hopes." "Why would this be disastrous?" "Because, the moment Mme. Fauvel opens her lips to her husband, our birds will take flight." Prosper had never thought of this eventuality. "Then, again," continued M. Verduret, "it would deeply distress another person." "Anyone whom I know?" "Yes, my friend, and very well too.
"And on the floor above?" "Two drawing-rooms separated by folding doors, and a library." "Where do the servants sleep?" "Raoul has none at present. He is waited on by a man and his wife, who live at Vesinet; they come in the morning, and leave after dinner." M. Verduret rubbed his hands gleefully.
M. Verduret did not finish his report until four o'clock in the morning; then he cried, with an accent of triumph: "And now they are on their guard, and sharp, wary rascals too: but they won't escape me; I have cornered them beautifully. Before a week is over, Prosper, you will be publicly exonerated, and will come out of this scrape with flying colors. I have promised your father you shall."
But when, by the light of the carriage-lamps, he saw two men in this lonely spot, he imagined that they wanted his purse, and perhaps his life. "I am engaged!" he cried out, as he cracked his whip in the air; "I am waiting here for someone." "I know that, you fool," replied M. Verduret, "and only wish to ask you a question, which you can gain five francs by answering.
We will begin with the porter." He opened the door and called out: "I say, my good man, step here a moment." The porter entered, looking very much surprised at the authority exercised over his lodger by this stranger. "Who gave you this letter?" said M. Verduret. "A messenger, who said he was paid for bringing it." "Do you know him?"
At last, however, the clock did strike; and just then the faithful Janouille opened the door, and ushered in Mme. Nina and Prosper Bertomy. "Ah," said M. Lecoq, "you are punctual; lovers are generally so." "We are not lovers, monsieur," replied Mme. Gypsy. "M. Verduret gave us express orders to meet here in your office this morning, and we have obeyed."
He was interrupted by the entrance of a stranger. The new-comer was a dandified-looking coachman, with elegant black whiskers, shining boots with fancy tops; buff breeches, and a yellow waistcoat with red and black stripes. After cautiously looking around the room, he walked straight up to the table where M. Verduret sat. "What is the news, Master Joseph Dubois?" said the stout man eagerly.
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